Therapists for college students near Rice University

At Firefly Therapy Austin, we are passionate about helping people find their joy, reconnect with their authentic selves, and create lives that feel luminous. We help people by teaching hands-on coping skills for anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and relationship challenges. We also provide a safe space to explore your thoughts, feelings, fears, hopes, & dreams. Our team at Firefly Therapy Austin is committed to meeting you wherever you are on your path and guiding you with a variety of individualized treatment methods to help you get through stuck points, pain, trauma, and fear, and emerge with emotional freedom and inner peace.

Does it ever feel like life is just happening to you? Do you struggle to see where your anxiety ends and you begin? If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from yourself, you're not alone! It's brutal out here. Therapy can be a space to slow down, get curious, and begin to untangle the patterns that are keeping you in survival mode. I'm Mackenzie, and I work with teens and adults navigating anxiety, relationship issues, identity exploration, and trauma-processing. Together, we'll work to build awareness, deepen self-trust, and move toward a more intentional, connected life. I know what it means to feel outside the norm. As a queer therapist, I hold space for those who’ve been made to feel different, unseen, or unwelcome. I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and also like to incorporate aspects of IFS, mindfulness, self-compassion, and CBT into my work with you. I totally understand that starting therapy can be daunting. I'd love to chat more about what's going on and how we can work together to help you feel like yourself again. You're welcome to book directly with me through my website, or reach out to schedule a complimentary 15 minute consultation call!

We are committed to helping people heal and create happier, healthier lives. Often, trauma, grief, anxiety, or depression are part of the story that needs healing. Through the use of expressive therapies like EMDR, art, or sandtray our counselors can help you ease symptoms and find your own path to a happier life. It takes immense courage to reach out and ask for help. Sometimes we may not know exactly what is causing our troubles, only that we have been struggling for some time. At HopeWise our counselors can help you find calm in the chaos so that you can begin the healing process. Our therapists use mindfulness, relaxation techniques, EMDR, or other coping skills to help you find a feeling of safety and calm. Finding a sense of calm is just one benefit of counseling. Understanding our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors and how they come to be can be an important tool in creating a happier life. Our counselors can help you explore and learn how to develop healthier thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that are true to your own values. We invite you to start your healing journey today. Call us to schedule an appointment.

There ISN’T anything “wrong” with you, you are human and you have lived experiences, some harder than others, but that is where working together to understand those parts of yourself can help! Life can be unpredictable, and at times, deeply challenging. But within each of us lies a quiet strength — Resilience. It's not about avoiding struggle, but about finding the courage to face it, adapt, and grow. In this space, we honor your story, your challenges, and your capacity to heal. Whether you're just beginning your journey or continuing along the path, we're here to walk with you — helping you reconnect with your resilience, one step at a time. At the heart of this work is a deep commitment to equity, justice, and collective healing. This is a space where all identities are seen, respected, and celebrated — where your full humanity is never up for debate. I practice from an anti-racist, LGBTQIA+ affirming, and decolonized lens, acknowledging the ways systemic oppression, intergenerational trauma, and cultural erasure impact our mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Healing does not happen in isolation — it happens in relationship, in context, and in community.

Whether you are experiencing depression, anxiety, or seek help to maintain interpersonal relationships, I commit to helping you reach your goals with compassion, and respect. I put people first, and care less about a diagnosis or label. I strive to bring relief no matter your circumstances.

(Also accepting Baylor Scott and White) You might be feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or questioning your identity. Maybe you’re tired of repeating the same patterns or just trying to hold it all together. I work with people facing addiction, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, trauma, life transitions, LGBTQ+ concerns, and relational issues. You're searching for clarity, peace, or just a space where you're heard. If you’re ready to move forward—even if you’re not sure how—I’ll meet you where you are. You don’t have to do this alone. I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 5 years of experience. My goal is to walk with you—through the highs and lows, setbacks and growth. My work is rooted in your values and perspective. I don’t give quick fixes or cookie-cutter advice. Instead, I offer grounded support to help you explore, reflect, and move toward meaningful change. You're not broken. You're human—and you're not alone. Therapy doesn’t have to be intimidating. It can be empowering. I offer a judgment-free space where your thoughts, feelings, and values are welcomed and explored. If you’re ready to start this journey toward self-discovery and growth, click to connect. Let’s take that step—together.

Many of the clients I work with are navigating big transitions, starting college, living away from home for the first time, or trying to figure out what comes after college. Some feel overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, or self-doubt. Others are dealing with relationship changes, family dynamics, burnout, or just feeling stuck. If you're someone who feels like you're supposed to have it all figured out, but secretly don’t, I get it. We will work together to sort through the noise, understand what’s getting in your way, and build tools that help you feel more steady and in control. My approach is down-to-earth, supportive, and built around what matters to you. You don’t have to have a diagnosis or a big crisis to start therapy. If something’s weighing on you, let's talk about it and strategize your success.

Hello! I’m Stephanie, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) dedicated to supporting adults as they navigate the complexities of mental health, trauma, and significant life changes. My journey in this field has been defined by a deep-seated belief in the resilience of the human spirit and a commitment to providing a nonjudgmental, empowering space where healing can truly begin. My Background and Expertise Background and Expertise My clinical foundation was built in the fast-paced, high-acuity environment of inpatient psychiatric hospitals across both the rural Amarillo region and the Austin Metroplex. Serving as a therapist, case manager, and court liaison, I have worked with patients facing some of life’s most challenging moments—from acute crisis intervention and short-term substance detox to the long-term management of chronic mood and psychotic disorders. This extensive background means that I am comfortable sitting with you through just about anything. Whether you are dealing with a recent crisis, navigating the heavy fog of grief and loss, or managing a chronic mental health condition that requires careful coordination and advocacy, I bring a wealth of systemic knowledge and clinical skill to our sessions. I understand the "social systems" of Texas and the unique obstacles our residents face, and I use that insight to help you navigate your own path to stability. My Therapeutic Approach I describe my style as eclectic, solution-focused, and deeply client-centered. I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all "fix." Instead, I view therapy as a collaborative partnership. We will work together to identify your specific priorities and the barriers standing in your way. My approach is grounded in: Empowerment: I operate from a strengths-based perspective, helping you rediscover your internal resources. Holistic Wellness: I believe in looking at the whole person—your environment, your history, and your goals. Evidence-Based Skills: I integrate tools from Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Trauma-Focused CBT to provide you with practical strategies for daily life. What to Expect In our work together, you can expect directness tempered with deep empathy. I am a firm believer in "reality testing" and stabilization, helping you find a "new normal" that preserves your sense of self while improving your social functioning and personal satisfaction. Whether you need a space to process a specific traumatic event, a partner to help you set and reach life goals, or simply a confidential place to vent and debrief after a period of burnout, I am here to support you. Start Your Journey I know that seeking mental health care is a significant investment of your time, emotions, and resources. To ensure we are the right match, I offer a free 15-minute initial consultation. This is a pressure-free time for us to meet, discuss your expectations, and determine if my skill set aligns with your needs. My goal is to empower you to create a plan of action that leads exactly where you want to be. I look forward to meeting you and helping you build the resilience needed to move forward.

I practice via telehealth in NY, NC, WA, and TX. I specialize in working with adult men and women who may look fine on the outside, but inside you're struggling to get your own needs met, self-doubt, perfectionism, and shame. Gestalt Therapy goes beyond looking only at the cognitive, linear perspective of the person. It demands of the therapist an awareness of the body and how it manifests in the psyche. Through its focus on process rather than content, the patient gains an experiential awareness of how they do what they do and new choices emerge spontaneously. The radical focus on process in Gestalt creative therapy keeps the work alive and full of possibility for both the patient and for my work as a therapist. Melissa Bennett-Heinz obtained her master’s degree in clinical social work from Columbia University (Class of 2002) and is a graduate of Gestalt Associates for Psychotherapy in New York City, NY. In addition to her background in Gestalt Therapy, she obtained her bachelor's and master’s degrees from the esteemed conservatory, Manhattan School of Music, in New York City, where she majored in Oboe Performance. Melissa completed cognitive behavioral studies under the tutelage of Dr. William Sanderson. She is a licensed clinical social worker in NY, WA, NC, and TX and has over twenty years of specialized training and experience in PTSD, childhood abuse, mood and anxiety disorders. Melissa brings her background as a classical musician and deep spirituality together in her unique approach in Gestalt's creative and experiential therapy.

Do you feel like your emotions have a life of their own? Do you feel like no one understands you? I have over 20 years' experience with transitional age youth. If you partially live in TX, CA, or LA, I'm licensed in those states so you can have sessions in either state. One of my specialties is helping people who have been affected by trauma. Contact me for a free 10-minute consultation to see if my therapeutic style is what you're looking for. I offer a sliding scale for more accessibility to therapy.

I'm Alyn, a fully bilingual (Spanish/English) Latina Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). My practice is trauma-informed, neurodivergent-affirming, stemming from my own journey as a complex trauma survivor. With a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, I center my work on social justice, cultural affirmation, and total inclusivity. I specialize in supporting teens and young adults through life transitions, including college and identity formation, focusing on inner child work in a safe, validating space. My approach helps clients become more comfortable with distress by gently expanding their window of tolerance. This process boosts emotional intelligence—improving the ability to manage and articulate feelings, deepening connections, and leading to a more satisfying life. I create a secure environment for deep healing, hope, and strengthening inner resolve, using compassion, empathy, and creativity. My goal is to empower you to gain clarity, find balance, manage time and energy wisely, and tap into your inner resilience to face challenges and embrace your unique path.

Solutions not band-aids, because clients deserve more than just the alleviation of symptoms. Treatment should be customized to meet the needs of the clients, because although more than one client may have a similar diagnosis everyone should be treated as an individual. For those interested in a higher standard of care whether you are managing stress, struggles with sleep, depression, anxiety, or another mental health challenge feel free to contact me via email to set up a consultation. If you are at this website you have already taken a step in the process towards change, so let's take the next step together.

You don’t have to carry it all alone anymore. I’m Betty Lopez, a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 20 years of experience helping adults navigate anxiety, stress, self-doubt, life transitions, and grief. I specialize in supporting first-generation Latinas and adults who feel overwhelmed by cultural expectations and silent pressure to be everything for everyone. Therapy with me is a safe place to untangle old beliefs, rebuild confidence, and learn real tools for anxiety, self-esteem, and resilience. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in CBT, Mindfulness, and Narrative Therapy — always personalized to you. You don’t have to be perfect to start. You just have to show up.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Thank you for considering Healing Paths Therapy as your provider of choice. We are a group practice that was founded by Kemi Alemoh, LCSW in 2022. The practices have associates as well that provides services. At Healing Paths Therapy we offer individualized support for the individual coming in for services. We spend time getting to know your current mental health needs to help you best. We are compassionate and structured at our therapeutic approach. Feel free to reach out for a free 15-minute consultation to discuss services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

As an LMFT, I focus on seeing women with anxiety by helping them feel more independent, develop their self confidence, set new boundaries with family, and bring new joy and peace back into their daily lives. I also help clients that are struggling with major life changes (starting college, infertility, pregnancy), LGBTQ+ clients, and those who are looking for some extra support to feel safe and empowered. I often utilize a mix of CBT, Attachment, and Neurobiology to help you learn new ways of coping that can be utilized for a lifetime.

College is the ultimate life experience, but it can also cause a lot of anxiety, doubt, confusion, and feelings of inadequacy. It also brings along questions of “am I good enough,” “did I choose the right path,” and “how am I going to get through this”? Guess what? These are all normal feelings and thoughts that every college student experiences to some degree or another, and I am here to help you navigate them! However, what happens if tragedy strikes, or you find yourself struggling with disabling anxiety, or chronic pain and/or illness? That was the predicament I found myself in during Graduate School. I received a Traumatic Brain Injury along with a Spinal Injury halfway through my MSW. I thought it was all over for me, I thought I was going to fail out of school, and was told I could never work in the field of social work. Well, I’m here to tell you they were WRONG! I made it through all the trials and tribulations, graduated with Honors, and I am here to help you navigate your struggles and help you continue to pursue your dreams! If you are struggling with daily college life, are experiencing debilitating mental health issues, or are trying to power through chronic pain and/or illness to acquire your college degree and make your dreams come true I am here to help you on your journey!

Choosing to begin counseling is a meaningful first step on your journey toward self-discovery, wellness, and growth. It would be an honor to work alongside you and support you through whatever you're facing. One of the beautiful things about therapy is that it’s not just for difficult times: you can also seek support during life’s most joyful and transformative moments. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and goals at your own pace. Whether you're navigating anxiety, a life transition, or simply seeking greater clarity, I'm here to help you move forward with confidence!

You are here for a reason, and we are all in this battle together. In other words, connected. We need to work together in an effort to get each person through. Therapy is about the journey to the destination. Whether you are someone who's been dealing with depression, anxiety, personality complexes, behavioral challenges, intrusive thoughts, or irregular emotions, substance abuse, trauma, treatment can be the first step in healing. Deciding to engage in therapy is a big decision and I believe the connection to your therapist is extremely important. I strive to create a safe space that allows you to explore your current and past self. I firmly believe that everyone deserves to live wholeheartedly in the present, which is why I will work with you to identify and overcome any negative and overwhelming feelings and/or thoughts. The goal of recovery is always in our sights, we can develop effective coping skills, mindfulness and meditation practices, calmness and relaxation techniques, and resilience training using strengths perspective to achieve optimal health. It may seem too difficult to get to the other side, but you have been brave to get to this point, and I want to hear your story and help you to a better day-to-day life. My passion is counseling and I love to be with clients in their journey to find the path they want to be on so I hope you will let me get to know you and help you. Contact me and we begin your healing journey together. I can’t wait to meet you.